ALDI PAIGNTON

We cover the whole of Teignbridge district within Devon, we provide food parcels/support for anyone who is in need, we work with many organisations within our district who provide referrals to our food bank, we also provide starter packs where people have been displaced from their homes. Each food parcel we provide is aimed at providing support for 5 days emergency relief. The food parcels offer a balanced diet and include things such as juice, milk, bread, sausages, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, tinned produce such as soup, beans, vegetables, rice, pasta, tea or coffee, sugar, cereal, and tinned meat meals. The size of each food parcel is made up based on the size of each family and is carefully put together by one of our 50 strong team of volunteers. Obviously, parcels may vary throughout the seasons depending on what donations are made by the partners that support us. We also supply toiletry packs, cleaning and laundry products subject to availability.

Newton Abbot Community Fridge is based at The Courtenay Centre in Newton Abbot and is run by Newton Abbot Community Centres CIO and a team of volunteers. We collect food that would go to waste and offer it to the local community to take as needed free of charge. We hope to work towards preventing food waste whilst offering local people a helping hand.

Paignton Community Larder operates from Southfield Christian Centre, Cecil Road, Paignton. The premises provide space for our food bank, Social Supermarket and a welcoming café-style area where people can have a hot drink, talk to volunteers and receive information or signposting to other services. Our services include emergency food parcels for individuals and families in financial hardship; a Social Supermarket providing affordable access to a range of food; fresh and surplus food when available; delivery of food parcels where required; and a welcoming community space offering hot drinks, conversation and informal support. We also provide toiletries and other essential items when available and signpost people to relevant local services and organisations. People requiring emergency food support are generally referred to us by local organisations and agencies, including Torbay Community Helpline, Torbay Council, schools, health and support services, and other community organisations. When someone accesses our Social Supermarket, we complete a financial assessment with them to establish their circumstances and level of need. Supporting evidence, such as recent bank statements and proof of income or benefits, is requested. We recognise that completing forms or providing documentation can sometimes be difficult, so our volunteers can assist with the process. The social supermarket is a separate service and charges apply for accessing it. However, the social supermarket does not have access to, or distribute, any donated food. All food supplied through the social supermarket is sourced separately from donations. We also identify wider needs through conversation. Our aim is to provide a friendly and non-judgemental environment where people feel comfortable discussing difficulties they may be experiencing. Where appropriate, we signpost people to other organisations for additional support. There is no charge for emergency food parcels or the support provided by the Community Larder. ​Surplus food donations are distributed through our Community Larder and emergency food parcel service and are not used within the Social Supermarket. Donations are used to supplement our existing food stocks and, where appropriate, are included in food parcels for individuals and families experiencing financial hardship. Fresh and short-dated items are distributed as quickly as possible to ensure they are used safely and to minimise food waste. Surplus donations enable us to provide a greater variety of food, including fresh produce and bakery items, and help us support more people within our local community. They also reduce pressure on household food budgets while ensuring that good-quality surplus food is put to beneficial